Hopping John - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. dry black-eyed peas (6 oz.)
6 c. water
6 slices bacon, cut up or 4 oz. salt pork, diced
4 c. water
3/4 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper
1 c. long grain rice

Preparation

Rinse dry peas.
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine peas and 6 cups water.
Bring to boiling.
Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Cover.
Let stand 1 hour (or soak peas overnight in a covered pan).
Drain peas and rinse.